Backcountry Enthusiasts Urged to Share Snow Observations

29th July 2024|3 min
Media Release

The NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) has launched its annual public observations competition, encouraging backcountry enthusiasts to actively contribute to avalanche safety.

The NZAA, which is provided by NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC), is calling on skiers, snowboarders, climbers and other outdoor adventurers heading into backcountry alpine terrain to record snow conditions and any avalanche activity via the public observation tool.

 

“We’re excited to announce the public observations competition,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley. “We want to encourage backcountry users to share their observations. In doing so, they’re playing a vital role in the safety of the alpine community.”

 

NZAA forecasters use public observations along with other information about current snow conditions and the weather forecast to develop accurate avalanche forecasts for 13 regions around the motu. These are available for free on the NZAA website.

 

“Public observations make an important contribution to avalanche forecasting. They’re also an additional tool for anyone planning an alpine trip to help them make informed decisions before they head out,” says Mike. “By logging their observations, backcountry users are contributing to a more knowledgeable and safer backcountry community.”

 

Anyone heading into the alpine backcountry should check the avalanche forecast and any public observations for the area on the NZAA website.

 

“We want backcountry users to make smart decisions about their trip based on the avalanche advisory and their own observations of the terrain and conditions when they’re out in the mountains.

 

To enter the public observations competition, participants must share a photo and information about snow conditions or any avalanche activity they have seen on the NZAA website. Contributors who meet the competition terms and conditions will automatically be entered into the draw for every observation they submit.

 

The competition closes on 30 November 2024, with the winner announced on 1 December 2024. The winner will receive a $1,500 voucher for a New Zealand outdoor retailer of their choice.